Satellite Irrigation System in Pakistan Expands Across Lower Bari Doab
LAHORE, October 27, 2026 — A satellite-based irrigation advisory module has been extended across the rotation channels of Punjab’s Lower Bari Doab Canal system. The system serves farmland covering about 675,000 hectares, or 13.3 million kanals, according to ProPakistani.
The project does not mean that every farm received a new irrigation system. Instead, the module helps recommend how canal water could be allocated. It uses satellite estimates of crop water deficits and mathematical optimisation.
How Pakistan’s satellite irrigation system works
The project first tested the module on selected canals in the Balloki–Okara division. After that, it was extended to all rotation channels in the Lower Bari Doab Canal system.
The module estimates how much water crops may need. Then, it recommends water allocations while taking existing canal rotations and operating limits into account. The aim is to help irrigation managers match water supplies more closely with crop requirements.
Three-year project reaches its third phase
A workshop at the Lahore University of Management Sciences marked the end of the project’s third phase. The three-year project is supported by the Asian Development Bank, ProPakistani reported.
Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization describes satellite data as one way to help the Punjab Irrigation Department assess canal water supply and crop water deficits. The FAO notes that its published assessment was a desk study, so it does not independently confirm the full results of the newer module. Read the FAO case study.
Wider use will need validation
Workshop participants discussed what would be needed for wider adoption. These steps include further validation, farmer engagement and coordination between relevant institutions.
In addition, participants discussed using rainfall forecasts to make recommendations more responsive to changing field conditions. The system is designed to support water allocation decisions; the report does not provide measured savings or confirm improved crop yields.
Overall, the satellite irrigation system in Pakistan has been extended across the Lower Bari Doab Canal’s rotation channels. Its effect on water distribution will depend on how the recommendations are validated and used in practice.